Local gym hosting virtual 5k to raise money for food pantries

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A local gym is working to raise thousands of dollars for food pantries. Orangetheory Fitness New Mexico is inviting the public to participate in its “Orange You Ready for a 5K?” event.

It’s a virtual run, meaning participants pay the $25 registration fee online and run 3.1 miles any time in May.

“Clearly we can’t all be together,” Orangetheory Fitness New Mexico Owner Lorraine Higgins said about the original in-person race that was canceled amid the pandemic. “Since we couldn’t be together as a team, we thought, ‘Let’s raise some money for people that need it.'”

Their goal is to raise at least $7,500. All of the proceeds will go to the St. Felix Food Pantry in Albuquerque and the Food Depot in Santa Fe.

“These two [pantries] are definitely underserved. Some of the big names get a lot of help and a lot of assistance. These are just smaller and need a bit of extra love,” said Orangetheory Fitness New Mexico Owner Lorraine Higgins. “There’s so many people that really need help and we know the food banks are hurting.”